International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is a global observance that aims to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and the urgency for their complete eradication. This day promotes the necessity of international cooperation, treaties and diplomacy to create a safer and more secure world. It seeks to encourage all nations, including those possessing nuclear arms, to take concrete steps towards disarmament, ultimately leading to the goal of a world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation.

The United Nations General Assembly declared September 26 as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons in December 2013, with the first commemoration held in 2014. For Australia, this day holds a special significance due to the country's long history of supporting non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. In fact, Australia played a key role in the establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has consistently supported the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Furthermore, Australia's commitment to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) showcases the nation's responsible approach to nuclear technology and material, as well as its strong support for nuclear disarmament.

Various events and activities mark the observance of International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons in Australia. The Government reaffirms its commitment to nuclear disarmament through statements and speeches by political leaders and diplomats. Civil society organizations and advocacy groups also conduct public awareness campaigns, seminars and educational programs to promote the importance of a world without nuclear weapons. Every year on September 26, Australians join the global community in commemorating this important day and advocating for the total elimination of nuclear weapons in the pursuit of international peace and security.

Facts about this observance

• The only sure way to eliminate the threat posed by nuclear weapons is to eliminate the weapons themselves - UN Secretary-General António Guterres
• The first resolution on nuclear disarmament was actually adopted by the UN in 1946 as its very first resolution reflecting the concern about the use of nuclear weapons.
• September 26th also marks the anniversary of the incident in 1983 when a Soviet Union officer, Stanislav Petrov, averted a potential nuclear war by correctly identifying a reported nuclear missile attack by the United States as a false alarm.
• Australia is home to one-third of the world's known uranium resources and is a significant exporter of the element.
• Between 1952 and 1957, the United Kingdom carried out 12 nuclear tests in South and Western Australia, making Australia the first country to experience the environmental and health impacts of nuclear weapons testing.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Watch Maralinga: Australia's Nuclear Waste Legacy (2015) .
• Read Nuclear Weapons: The Secret History – Australia's Involvement in the Nuclear Weapons Business by Mike Frost and Michel Gratton.